FIPS Profiles in Nerdery: An Interview with Cliff Chiang

art by Cliff Chiang, courtesy of DC Comics

What most of you FIPS'ters may not know is that a couple of weeks ago, DC comics wiped out their old iconic super heroes like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the Flash and completely started fresh from issue 1 with a highly publicized reboot called DC Comics the New 52.

Cliff Chiang, (adjacent) Park Sloper and bitchin'  comic artist was chosen to illustrate the new Wonder Woman series. This Saturday evening Cliff will be at Bergen Street Comics from 8-10 PM signing comics and displaying some original art from Wonder Woman #1.  

Earlier this week, Cliff "sat down" with me and the Magic 8 Ball for a little electronic interview:

How's life going for you, Cliff?:

You know, hustling.

I concur. Can you explain to the lay Sloper what DC Comics The New 52  is and why we should care?

Comics always felt like an insider thing, like you had to know 50 years of comics history -- the way soap opera works, y'know? DC is trying to reach out to a bigger audience now. You don't need to know all the backstory, so anyone who's ever been interested in Wonder Woman can pick up our book.

Yeah so what's it like to be working on the new and improved Wonder Woman?

We've been given a lot of creative freedom to come up with a new, fresh take on Wonder Woman, so it's been a great experience. I think we did it, but we'll see how the readers feel.

What's different about this Wonder Woman as compared to say the Lynda Carter Wonder Woman we all know and love?

Who doesn't love Lynda Carter? But the show did have a lot of campiness to it. We're not doing camp. We've got Wonder Woman fighting monsters and bickering gods. Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Spartacus.

That sounds pretty bad ass... Was it hard not being a woman and drawing one of the most iconic female comic heroines? Actually scratch that, that’s an awful question, try this one: what were some of your influences in creating the look for this Wonder Woman reboot?

Hah, that is a pretty awful question! Overall, we wanted Wonder Woman to look like a strong, capable warrior instead of a generic whitebread hero. So I tried to give her more distinctive features and she's not falling out of that corset. This Wonder Woman is beautiful but dangerous.

art by Cliff Chiang, courtesy of DC Comics

Describe your process in a nutshell? What happens between the idea in your noggin to the finished product on the panel?

First I'll start with a thumbnail sketch, then a larger version in pencil – wait, in a nutshell? Work, stress out, work harder, drink heavily, sleep.

Cliff you and I have a lot in common. Especially the heavy drinking. But what are your thoughts on digital comics? Are you the do it all by hand kinda guy or do you use the computer?

We have a lot of great comics shops in the area, but it's also cool to have the option of downloading something while hanging out on your couch. Who doesn't like internet shopping? Like any gadget nerd, I have an iPad and it's great, but I'm still drawing the comics by hand. We see everything on computer screens these days, so I think it's important to keep that handmade feel to my art.

Do you have a Photoshop nightmare story? Please say yes.

Have you ever lost an entire day's work? At 3AM? With a morning deadline? ALWAYS BE SAVING. Coffee is for savers.

Will you be at comic con and if so are you prepared for the lines of woman and men who will be dressed as wonder woman dying for your autograph?

Yeah, it's a pretty crazy show, but I'm happy to talk to anyone who can fit into that outfit. Or even if you can't fit into it. No, ESPECIALLY if you can't fit into it.

art by Cliff Chiang, courtesy of DC Comics

Sorta off topic, if you could ask the magic 8 ball one question, what would it be?

Will I be able to take a vacation soon?

M8B: Outlook Good. 

Also, will that stadium (Barclay Center) ever be finished?

M8B: Reply Hazy, Try Again. (For Chrisssakes 8 Ball! We can't try again, just answer it)

M8B: You may relay on it. 

The 8 Ball may be a temperamental diva, but it doesn't lie, Cliff. So on that note, how long have you been a Sloper?

My realtor says, sadly, that I am technically “Park Slope adjacent” and have been for the last 5 years.

Ok close enough. What do you love about it?

It's a good neighborhood. All the creature comforts you could ask for, without the craziness of Manhattan. My last place was in Nolita, so I've traded waking up to garbage trucks and drunken frat guys for triple strollers and $6 ice cream cones. Welcome to the good life, son!

What can't you stand about it (don't hold back we're a blog devoted to bitching)?

No places to eat after midnight. Last week I ended up at Blue Ribbon when all I wanted was a slice of pizza. WTF?

Fill in the blanks: Your favorite place in Park Slope to ----------- is ------------------.

Get bedbugs. The Pavilion.

So if you're into starting from scratch with a super hero, or just want to get an issue 1 of a comic signed by the artist so your kids can sell it 30 years from now and put a down payment on condo, head to Bergen Street Comics this Saturday from 8-10PM and say hey to Cliff.